It’s spooky season! That can mean big fun, but if you’re not careful, big bucks too. In the lead up to Halloween, we will all be tempted to overspend and stretch our budgets to their brink. Probably most frightening is that prices are up all the way around. So let’s do our best to make the most of smart shopping strategies to save money with these Halloween Candy Savings Tips!
Before you do any shopping, keep both your budget (what you can spend) and how much candy you really need (how many trick-or-treaters you anticipate) to get a better idea of how much you should buy. These two tips can help you stay on track.
1. Go Bulk
Whether at a Warehouse store like Costco or Sam’s Club or an online retailer like Amazon, you may be able to save money by buying candy in bulk. As always, pay attention to price per unit or price per ounce. And be sure that shopping at one of these stores doesn’t lead to unnecessary purchases. It’s not a deal if you also come home with a big screen TV and a diamond ring.
2. Don’t Forget Your Coupons
Before you even leave your house, you need to be sure your coupon game is on point. Check for printable coupons from Coupons.com. Quick reminder: use grayscale to save on ink and recycled paper if you can. You’ll also want to check Meijer’s mPerks, Target’s Circle, and the Kroger app for extra savings. You can also use Fetch Rewards (the code XP4EV gets you at least 2000 points right now), ibotta, and Checkout51 to further your savings. Don’t forget to snag candy on clearance in the days after Halloween. If it doesn’t have seasonal wrappers you can use it throughout the holidays and even if it does, it can be used in baking or even frozen to extend its freshness.
3. Go Generic
You certainly don’t have to buy Scheemes Pieces or a Baby Suth bar. But when you’re haunting the aisles for candy, be a savvy shopper. You may discover that the plain dressed name brand candy costs less per item than the orange and black variety. Skip the overcrowded aisle and check out the regular candy aisle instead.
4. Pop Popcorn or Offer Cider
If you live in a neighborhood where you know most of the kids and families who trick-or-treat there, consider skipping the candy and making a Popcorn Buffet. Pop fresh popcorn on the stove and bag it up. You could even punch up the fun by letting them add their own seasoning to the mix. If the weather is chilly, offer up a cup of hot cider instead.
5. Skip the Candy
No you don’t have to be a complete Grinch and hide in the recesses of your house with all of the lights out. Instead, consider giving non-perishable items like toys or stickers. Shop online at places like Oriental Trading or Indiana owned Kipp Toys. You can buy all sorts of seasonal items, toys, bracelets, and more in bulk numbers. Personally, I would stick with non-Halloweeny items so that if you have leftovers, you can use them throughout the year in birthday gifts or to celebrate fun moments with the kids in your life. Before you shop at either of these places though, do a quick online search with the name of the store and the word coupon to save money.
Enjoy your favorite candy this season, but don’t go overboard. Both your wallet and your belly will feel better.
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This post contains an affiliate link. That means when you get a great deal, learn about a way to save, or maybe even something for free, I may end up making a small commission. All prices are subject to change.
